The first semi-final of the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup. Crossfield Larry has clearly taken a liking to Perry Barr, now being two from two, and although possibly preferring a draw slightly off the fence, lacks nothing in the way of determination. Laughil Flash once again makes the long trip from Edinburgh for Robert Galloway, but only his very best exit may suffice if he is to avoid becoming the meat in the sandwich at the first bend. Bombout Bullet was foot perfect in the heats, and is compiling a very fair strike rate. Headford Sonny completely missed the kick last week, but is a pretty close railer in truth, and has plenty of work to do from trap 4. Farneys Trend has been experiencing cramping issues of late, hitting the deck after the line in his heat, but Kevin Boon is sure to have his charge in good order for this, and the draw should cause him no issues at all. Longacres Storm has done well to reach this far, but would certainly appreciate a draw much further in. Sel: 1-3-5

Leathems Buick is gradually returning to form following a fallow period, but may have to come away in his best fashion to stand a chance of reaching next Saturday’s final. You would think that Quarteira had been running round here all his life judging by last week’s display, but that was as good as it gets for a first look, and the son of Ballymac Best is one of the fastest in the country. Glenmalure Flyer’s heat effort can be marked up accordingly given that he missed the break, and Steve Howard now has options for his charge going forward. Bluejig Ophelia has run his best races from a middle berth, and Yvonne Bell’s heavyweight could prove a handful if trapping on level terms. Whisky Sallagh was a touch unlucky not to claim the spoils last week, but the draw in five this evening presents the only remaining bitch in the competition with a real challenge. Different Speed displayed nimble footwork to avoid crowding at the first bend in his heat, and the trap 6 runner is capable of coming away a bit better. Sel: 2-4-3

The first semi-final of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks. Starshinestunner has found things happening a bit quick for her so far here, but has shrugged off crowding in the first two rounds to reach this stage, and connections can be rightly proud. Similar comments apply to Charming Girl, and with a pre-competition trial indicating that the blue jacket suits, will look to tuck in behind the leaders and work her way into the contest. Whats Up Eva has been an absolute star for Richard Rees, and will be devilishly difficult to keep out of next Saturday’s final if replicating her efforts of the last two weeks. Droopys Mandolin has fully vindicated Robert Gleeson’s decision to enter the bitches’ classic, and her Shelbourne Park PB of 28.13 was achieved sporting the black jacket. Bellmore Lola arrives at concert pitch, and Barry Denby’s star has mowed down the opposition in both rounds to date. Kennelmate Ballyhimikin Mel has walked out of traps at both stages so far, and may not be able to afford the leaders much leeway in a contest as warm as this. Sel: 4-5-3

Baywatch Bullet has had her issues this year, and has probably exceeded expectations to reach this stage of what has been a quality bitches’ classic. Ballymac Astra has had to display enormous resolution to qualify from both the first two rounds, and would be one to look out for in a 575m maiden at Romford on a Friday night in the not too distant future. Droopys Ailsa had to battle hard to qualify from a messy second round heat, and this close railer is expected to be able to get across to the rail on the run to the first turn. Antigua Bingo has impressed me greatly in both Perry Barr starts to date, and should be able to hold her own in the battle for positions in the first half of the contest. Freedom Vesta has gone from top grade success to the semi-finals of the Oaks in less than a month, and owner trainer Adrian McPherson can be rightly proud. No Rush had work to do after breaking slowly and shipping a first bend bump, but finished to good effect to seal her place in the semi-finals. Carol Weatherall’s blue warrants plenty of respect. Sel: 4-3-6

Queen Georgia has made her way to this stage without the fanfare of her kennelmates, and with the draw having worked out well, the trap 1 runner could surprise a few people. Jet Stream Angel has been remarkably consistent thus far in her career and, under the tutelage of Kevin Hutton, could have more to give. Queen Shakira left the boxes a little flat footed last week, but still had enough early boot to get to the front at the first bend, and it was plain sailing thereafter. Hats off to Chris Fereday for his handling of Droopys Request, who caused a big-priced upset in her second round heat, and a middle berth is unlikely to prove an inconvenience to the trap 4 runner. Allowdale Cazoo has reaped the benefit of a thorough preparation with two smashing performances, and further success beckons for this likeable sort. Home Bronagh has brought Connor Smith his first Category 1 semi-finalist, and has flown the flag for Perry Barr with honour. Sel: 3-5-2

The first heat of the Arena Racing Company Maiden Trophy. Salmic Fitz got off the mark at the first time of asking in graded company, and performed with credit in his only start from trap 1 in Ireland. Hawkfield Mini makes her UK debut here, and appears an ideal Romford type at this stage of her career. Kennelmate Druids Say Go lacks experience for a two year old, but has shown decent early zip in two spins round here, and could lead this field. Glimmer Man has won his last two top grade contests, and arrives at the top of his game. Swift Paloma did connections proud in the PGR Oaks, and is expected to be finishing well. Jaguar Eske competed in top grade over four bends at previous track Monmore earlier in the year, and a clear passage would help his cause no end. Sel: 3-4-5

Longacres Baboo won in Galway in 28.85 earlier this summer, and could be one to keep an eye on when stepped up in trip. Headford Turbo comfortably landed a graded contest last time out, and could have further improvement at his disposal. Dapper Lana got to the second round of the PGR Oaks, but may need one of her better breaks to establish a decent early position. Final Blast is a consistent sort at graded level, and has a shout. Noels Endeavour contests the first race of his life here, but has shown enough in trials to suggest that he is above average, and could be one to follow in the coming weeks and months. Narcos Pablo  is a solid competitor at top grade level, and is typically strong in the finish.

Brickwork Ruck competes in decent grade at home track Sheffield, and went well in a recent trial. Antigua Lumiere stays well, and could grab a place in the first three if able to make the first turn in a handy position. Antigua Eclipse was a four time winner in Ireland, including an A3 sweepstake final over 500yds at Tralee, and this speedy sort looks decidedly useful. Vixons Filofax lacks experience, but has hinted at ability in his trial work. Always Wishing is a top grade regular at Monmore, but has a tough draw clad in orange. Bluejig Hank has made an immediate impression at Sunderland, and the heavyweight blue caught the eye in a recent sighter. Sel: 3-6-2